Sunday, 1 February 2009

Roving Reporter: Givenchy

Givenchy kept the muted and monochrome palette of the week going with a sleek and sensual collection.

Shaped, rounded shoulders were the key silhouette for the first few pieces, creating a very regal and sophisticated look. The second piece on the runway was a beautifully tailored jacket. With a curved front and multiple pin-tucked shoulders, it was perfection in tailoring.

These more futuristic separates moved into dresses that borrowed from the basic shift in cut but had fabulously draped shoulders or gathered panelling to create asymmetric shapes. They combined beauty, drama and wearability - perfect for the A-list red-carpet tribe.

These key bestsellers were complimented by the more avant-garde selection. This included a bizarre jacket that was all rounded shapes, with the whole jacket covered in ruching/tiny gathers of chiffon. Simply beautiful, and wonderfully complimented by the nipped-in, tailored waist. The shoulder shapes were sculptured and awe-inspiring.

Dresses continued to be asymmetric structures built over basic slips. The dresses were made up of twisted tulle and pleated chiffon in delicious lemon drop and crisp cream.

The bandage-style shoes were obviously key to the collection, as some of the models looked like they were wearing erratically wrapped underdresses of bandage strips - that were then covered by sheer lace and chiffon drapes. This took the form of both short and full-length gowns.

As the collection developed, models sashayed out in paneled dresses decorated in tiny pearls. This was matched by veil-style headgear that appeared to wrapped and attached to the dress.

One of my favourite pieces was actually an intricately designed and cut swimsuit that featured futuristic/tribal markings in the form of cut-outs and piping. It really was quite marvelous.

The muted palette moved into pale ice-purple and a fresh, light pistachio tone. This saw a far more grown-up twist to the collection, with the models actually looking older. The garments were tasseled, flowing and had the injection of draped-neck fronts.

Interestingly enough, Givenchy has moved on their hit gothic look from last season (black suit, tones of gold chainage) to a fabulous, new couture level. The chains, now a far more muted tone, used en masse to make the neckline of the garment worked in jewels to the mix.

The final set of dresses returned to Givenchy classic: gothic black. This saw a playsuit in chiffon, again styled with bandages, drapes and tassels. C'est chic!

Styling: The runways was covered in pastel petals and the models feet were clad in

bandage-esque shoe boots. The over all look was powerful! and very sexy, but totally sophisticated. Hair simple and sleek, make up - dark and jewels - big and blinging.

That jacket is possibly one of the most amazing pieces of tailoring I''ve seen. To me it is McQueen level (and we all know he is a King of Tailoring!)The swimsuit is on the same vain as Emma Cooks S/S 09, which features some incredible armor style swimwear. Love Love Love